Happy days

October 18, 2013

Dear Heloise: When I read about a lady who shreds and recycles her DAY PLANNERS each year, I was reminded that I save my day planners as a way of "journaling." I make notes of funny things the grandchildren say, special events, etc. Years later, when I look back, it reminds me how quickly times goes by and that we need to savor each day and enjoy the journey! -- Tamara in Tupelo, Miss.

I'm with you! I don't have time to journal, but my calendars are a wealth of information -- birthdays, weddings, funerals, doctor appointments, trips, events, etc. It is fun to look back 10 years ago. -- Heloise

Window cleaning

Dear Heloise: It was always difficult to see if I had cleaned both sides of my five windows (10 sides, 6 feet tall) leading to my deck. They slide behind each other, so it's hard to keep track of which had been cleaned. I cut strips of sticky notes and hung a small strip on each panel as it was completed. When a window had two sticky notes, one on each side of the glass, I knew the job was finished. -- Linda M., Anita, Iowa

Did you know that you can make window-cleaning solutions yourself at home from items you probably have in your pantry? I have compiled a great pamphlet that is filled with recipes for cleaning all kinds of things, windows included. To receive a copy of this must-have pamphlet, just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (66 cent) envelope to: Heloise/Cleaners, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Another way to tell which side streaks are on is to wipe interior windows horizontally and outside windows vertically. Then removing those annoying streaks is easy. -- Heloise

Medication hint

Dear Heloise: In response to the hint about placing medications in a muffin (paper) cup, I have an idea to share.

I use one of the little containers that come attached to liquid "over the counter" medicines. I have several, and I can't seem to throw them away. They are "free" and just the right size. In addition, they are handy for taking other liquid medicine, avoiding spilling the liquid while measuring into that tiny teaspoon. -- Lynda H., via email

A repurpose hint indeed. Please be sure that no children can get hold of the cup filled with the medication. -- Heloise

Broken wrist

Dear Heloise: My husband broke his wrist and was told to keep that arm dry for six weeks. To take a shower, we covered his arm with an umbrella bag -- the type you see in most restaurants, public buildings and offices. I put it on his arm and secured it above his elbow with a couple of rounds of tape. This gave him complete protection, and his arm was as dry when he stepped out of the shower as when he went in. -- Marty D., via email

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Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise(at)Heloise.com.